The state Department of Environmental Conservation has announced the start of early bear hunting season in portions of southeastern New York, and in northern New York. The early bear season runs from Sat., Sep. 9 through Sun., Sep. 24 in southeastern New York, which includes parts of Albany, Delaware, Greene, Schoharie and Ulster counties. Bowhunting season for bears opens in the entire Southern Zone of the state on October 1, followed by the regular firearms season starting November 18. The early season runs from Sep. 16 to Oct. 13 in northern New York. During the early season, hunters are permitted use a bow, crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, or rifle (where allowed). During the 2016 season, 76 black bears were killed by hunters in Greene County; in Columbia County 14 bears were taken, according to data published by the DEC.